Rate: 5/5
Medium: Audiobook
Overview (No Spoilers):
Mental health is such a focal point throughout with every character struggling. This feels fitting as every perspective has experienced a world where war is a constant, unrelenting presence for most of their lifetime. Furthermore, each character has experienced significant loss at this point. Adding to the mental burden is the significant changes for the people of Roshar with the reemergence of Radiants and surges. How would someone cope with such widespread loss and change?
In true Sanderson fashion, Wind and Truth is a monster read. It is around 64 hours on audio and over 1344 pages in print. First released almost a year ago, it took me over a month to finish this book on audio. Afterward, I sat on this review for almost a year because how could I possibly do justice to such a detailed read? So much action is packed between these two covers. I couldn’t begin to decide where to start detailing how much I enjoyed reading about Sigzil growing into his confidence or the subsequent horror of what happens to him. I was at a loss of how to untangle the tangled web of Shallan, Dalinar, Navari, Renarin, and Rlain as they try to both benefit from and escape the memories of the ancient past. There is so much hopelessness for each of these characters as they take on powers that far exceed their own while wrestling with their own demons. From a literary standpoint I was utterly hooked, excited to see where Sanderson would take this story next. Review wise, I’ll keep it short with the focus above on how overwhelmed I felt even trying to organize my thoughts for this review.
I am rather shocked my favorite storyline follows Szeth and Kalahan. Nightblood’s random comments are as amusing as ever. Healing is a major theme for Kal and he tries to help the tortured assassin. Szeth’s history and path are the ultimate prize of Wind and Truth as we learn so much about the Shin people. Szeth’s past is tragic and so often steered by others he mistrusted to know the truth.
Adolin’s harrowing defense is also a bright spot as through his eyes we learn more about Azir and see him mentoring the young emperor, Yanagawn. Adolin breaks down every barrier of propriety every step of the way. He has grown so much and his cracks are painful as he sorts through his feelings about not being a Radiant.
Sanderson has layered so many of his other worlds and books into Wind and Truth that my analytical side is equally delighted, amazed, and confused. I’ve read The Stormlight Archive as they’ve been released over the years and I’ve read almost all of Sanderson’s other works in the middle. Despite consuming almost everything Sanderson has written, I began to feel like so much of Wind and Truth went right over my head. I felt like I was missing key connections or Easter eggs. While frustrating, I thoroughly enjoyed the story as it is, even though I might be missing obvious links. This is a good reminder that a reread might be needed in the near future.
Overall, Wind and Truth is an exercise in healing and mental health, even in the most dangerous and stressful of situations. As Odium’s schemes start to be revealed in their complexity and brilliance, how will the various battle fronts react and who will survive the aftermath?
Additional Insight (Spoilers Abound):
- How will the story continue without Kaladin? What will it mean that he is now a Herald? Will anyone know? How will life be different when he comes back?
- It was interesting seeing Gavilar when the Stormfather was courting him initially? His cruelty as he manipulated Dalinar and pushed away Navani. Stormfather.
- I was curious how Kal would come to help the wind. Wit getting Kal to learn an instrument was interesting.
- I loved seeing the flashbacks to when humans first came to Roshar and how the Heralds came to be.
- I was so happy to learn that Taravangian didn’t actually drown Kharbaranth.
- I can’t wait to find out how Adolin will ‘heal’ Maya again. I’m sure it won’t be that easy but I’m sure Brandon has something wonderful in store. I loved that she came back in time with the other Dead Eyes.
- Ugh. Moash. He’s beyond redemption right? I couldn’t believe we saw him become the link to this and the Mistborn trilogy.
- Sigzil had to break his bond to save his spren. Ugh. So heartbreaking. I don’t understand why Vienta didn’t want to see him after that.
- Dalinar is gone! I have a hard time seeing the story going on without him and his sacrifice. His absence will loom large.
- Gavinor being Odium’s champion felt so hopeless, unfair, and horrible. The poor boy has had so much done to him already.
- Szeth breaking his oath was hard but satisfying as his spren had mislead him so many times.
The Critiquing Chemist 